Distractions and adventures in the knitting world

Retreat season is here…

Iv’e been kind of MIA. Thing have just been kinda nutty you with, work, family, and getting sick (x2), but I did just get back from the Plucky Knitter’s Glamping event held on Bainbridge Island. It was held at a new location this year so aside from knowing that the Plucky Knitter knows how to throw a good event I really didn’t know what to expect.

There had been a few comments in the Raverly forums about not wanting to go and be mandated to have a roommate, sleep in a bunkbed, or it being not in the Midwest and centrally located for everyone, when the location was announced, but I couldn’t not go, and those things didn’t deter me because well the event is just fun and they do a fabulous job of putting it together. The group has grown a lot and it was nice to have an intimate setting with people who wanted to hang out, knit, chat, shop and talk about yarn.The retreat while different than year’s past was really lovely and it surpassed all of my expectations (except I feel really guilty about giving my roommates my cold).

Islandwood on Bainbridge Island is a special place and while I am local to the Seattle area it felt I was a lot further from 10 miles from the city; if I were to try to describe it, I would say it reminded me a lot of the Olympic Pennisula.

Treehouses! How cool!Moss and a distant view of the pondKnitted slug and real ones were everywhere on Islandwood

There were wonderful walking trails ( full disclosure, I am not a hiker but I enjoyed it and they were very walkable). the event itself felt special and more intimate than years in the past. The weather was perfect for knitwear and people seemed excited to see some new scenery ( I could not believe how excited people were about slugs)

Spiffy! I really love ho the silk makes the color sing in the light. It almost glows.

The marketplace was exceptionally nice this year and it was very open and easy to navigate. I didn’t go too nuts on yarn ( It was the cheapest year yet) and to what I thought I could really use. The latest base that I am really into is “Spiffy”(I can’t say enough good things about it, it is not offered regularly and is more expensive than some of the other bases, but for what you get I think it is totally worth it. I would even say I might like it more than their cashmere sport) and while you were not able to special order it the even they did have some on hand and I picked up about two sweater’s quantities, I also picked up some Oxford for color work ( I was totally enabled after taking Janine Bajus’ (aka the Feral Knitter) color work class) and a couple of One hit wonders (OHW) for my daughter ( she requested a pink hat).

“I’ve Loved the Stars Mitts” by Janine Bajus

When you booked the retreat package a class was included ( you had the option of selling it) and I signed up for Janine Bajus’ class (aka the Feral Knitter). I had the pleasure of meeting her at Madrona Fiber Arts Festival last year and was so impressed by her work. When I see her colorwork it makes me think about selecting colors differently, and I enjoyed seeing how her contrast and main colors changed in work, it makes it look more 3 dimensional than some of the color work I am used to seeing. There were several of her samples in the class and I “had” to try on a pair of mitts she brought. Janine also designed a hat just for the event and we were provided with kits. I am super excited about the hat (I just need to find time to make it. If you would like to knit the hat the pattern is now available for sale on Raverly here Dryas Octopetala

It was great seeing old friends an making new ones…. even if it can be a little overwhelming ( I’m and introvert and was pretty sick), and I am really glad that I went, now it is time to gear up for the next one… I have a class with Judith McKenzie this weekend and the Nordic Knitting conference and next month will be heading to the Olympic Pennisula for a private retreat. I think the thing I just need to do know is just stay healthy.